The face of "jealous and controlling” Chesterfield man who shared sexual images of his ex-girlfriend on social media

Sam Mellor, 22, sent naked photos of the girl - who cannot be named for legal reasons - after blackmailing her with them in exchange for sex after the breakup.

Nottingham Crown Court heard how Mellor’s scared victim - just 17 at the time - agreed to meet him for sex.

The disgraced Chesterfield man showed her the images had been deleted from his iPhone “before and after sexual intercourse”.

However “immature” Mellor “was not true to his word” - having already backed up the images on another device.

The next day - March 23, 2018 - Mellor sent the photos by Whatsapp, iPhone message and Facebook to a group of friends.

Mellor, who was acquitted of rape during a trial, admitted distributing sexual photos with intent to cause distress and witness intimidation and was jailed for 18 months today (Wednesday).

Nottingham Recorder Balraj Bhatia QC told him: “I remember during your trial how distressing it was for her having to live with that exposure in a relatively small community where she was known and to have all of her images put on social media.

“The anxiety it caused - she was still so young.”

During Mellor’s trial a jury heard how Mellor’s young victim was only 15 when they met and during the two-year relationship she sent him 200 images after he requested them.

Recorder Bhatia said: “You had been in a relationship with her for two years - you were immature, controlling and extremely jealous.

“She called you boring and you did not like that - you wanted to have power over her.

“During the relationship she sent at your request a number of sexual photos of her from her phone to your phone.

“Sadly a practise all too common - and that allowed you to maintain a degree of power and control over her.”

The court heard how after Mellor’s former girlfriend reported him to the police he threatened her saying “if this goes to court I know people in Chesterfield who are real nutters who will go for you”.

Recorder Bhatia said: “You made it clear after the break up that unless she did what you wanted you would disclose or distribute those images over social media platforms

“Even when she did what you wanted when she made it plain she did not want to pursue a relationship in a fit of revenge and anger you distributed those images of her.”

The judge told Mellor he would have “no problem” imposing an immediate custodial sentence.

However because Mellor had already served the equivalent of 34 months under electronic curfew that would mean his immediate release.

Mellor, of Romford Way, Barrow Hill, was placed on the sex offenders register for 10 years.

Recorder Bhatia told him: “You have effectively served your sentence.

“You are in another relationship now and there are aspects of you which are clearly caring and good.”

https://www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk/news/crime/here-is-who-appeared-before-chesterfield-and-derby-magistrates-3184668